Creation: Appeared in July 1933 as a renumbering of VA 522. VA 178 was in two pieces: US 13 Exmore to Bobtown; Onancock Wharf east to US 13 Tasley. This is the only VA 178.

VA 522 southern piece
1932 Accomack County

VA 178 replaces VA 522
1935 Accomack County

Adjustments: In Aug 1990 (CTB), VA 178's northern piece was renumbered as an extention of VA 179 and all of VA 126.

VA 522 Onancock to Tasley
1929 Official

VA 178 Onancock to Tasley
1936 Accomack County

VA 126/179 replaces VA 178
2004 Accomack County

Improvements: Paved from Exmore to Belle Haven and from Onancock to Tasley upon inception.
In 1936, the rest of VA 178 was paved.
VA 178 has no multilane segments.
Posting: Fully posted;
Multiplexes: VA 180 (0.03 mi)
Legislative names: None
Other names: Main St (Exmore); Belle Haven Rd (US 13 to VA 181); Shields Bridge Rd/Bobtown Rd (west of VA 181)
Scenic Byway: No segments
Comment: The current routing of VA 178 seems silly - either extend VA 178 over SR 718 to Onancock or truncate it to VA 180.
Official maps over the years imply VA 178 was expanded towards Onancock but this has never been the case.